Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented method of authenticating a call request, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by an authentication device, a call request and calling party information associated with the call request, the calling party information comprising a calling party number; retrieving, by the authentication device, one or more parameters associated with the calling party number; determining, by the authentication device, a risk threshold for the call request based at least in part on a line type of the calling party number or a reason for the call request; determining, by the authentication device, a risk score for the call request based at least in part on the one or more parameters, the risk score indicating a confidence that the call request can be authenticated; comparing, by the authentication device, the risk score to the risk threshold; generating, by the authentication device, an authentication result based at least in part on the comparing, the authentication result indicating whether the calling party number is authenticated; and sending, by the authentication device, the authentication result to a call processing device that processes the call request from the caller according to the authentication result, wherein the authentication result is sent to the call processing device before the call request is routed to a destination by the call processing device.
This invention relates to call authentication in telecommunications, specifically addressing the problem of verifying the legitimacy of call requests to prevent fraud and unauthorized access. The method involves an authentication device that receives a call request along with associated calling party information, including the calling party number. The device retrieves parameters linked to this number, such as historical call patterns, device identifiers, or subscriber data, to assess risk. A risk threshold is determined based on factors like the line type (e.g., mobile, landline) or the purpose of the call (e.g., emergency, business). The device then calculates a risk score, representing the likelihood that the call is legitimate, by analyzing the retrieved parameters. This score is compared to the predefined risk threshold to generate an authentication result, which indicates whether the calling party is verified. The result is sent to a call processing device before the call is routed, allowing the system to block or flag suspicious calls early. This approach enhances security by dynamically evaluating call legitimacy before connection, reducing fraud and unauthorized access risks.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: the comparing comprises determining that the risk score is less than the risk threshold; and the generating comprises generating an authentication result that indicates the calling party number is authenticated responsive to determining that the risk score is less than the risk threshold.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for authenticating a calling party number in a telecommunications system. The method addresses the problem of verifying the legitimacy of incoming calls to prevent fraud, spoofing, or unauthorized access. The system evaluates the risk associated with a calling party number by comparing a calculated risk score against a predefined risk threshold. If the risk score is below the threshold, the system generates an authentication result confirming that the calling party number is legitimate. The risk score may be derived from various factors, such as call history, caller reputation, or network behavior analysis. The method ensures that only low-risk calls are authenticated, reducing the likelihood of fraudulent calls being processed. The authentication result can then be used by the telecommunications system to determine whether to accept, reject, or flag the call for further review. This approach enhances security by dynamically assessing call risk and automating authentication decisions based on predefined criteria.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: the comparing comprises determining that the risk score is greater than the risk threshold; and the generating comprises generating an authentication result that indicates the calling party number is not authenticated responsive to determining that the risk score is greater than the risk threshold.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for verifying the authenticity of a calling party number in telecommunications systems. The method addresses the problem of fraudulent or spoofed caller identification, where malicious actors manipulate caller ID information to deceive recipients. The solution involves assessing the risk associated with a calling party number by comparing a calculated risk score against a predefined risk threshold. If the risk score exceeds the threshold, the system generates an authentication result indicating that the calling party number is not authenticated, thereby flagging potential fraudulent activity. The risk score may be derived from various factors, such as historical call patterns, network behavior, or known fraud indicators. The method ensures that only legitimate calls are authenticated, enhancing security and trust in telecommunications networks. By dynamically evaluating risk, the system can adapt to emerging threats and reduce the likelihood of successful caller ID spoofing. The invention improves upon existing authentication systems by providing a more robust and adaptive approach to verifying caller identity.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising determining, by the authentication device, the risk threshold based at least in part on at least one of the one or more retrieved parameters, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a line type of the calling party number.
This invention relates to computer-implemented authentication methods for verifying the identity of a calling party in telecommunications systems. The problem addressed is the need for more secure and dynamic authentication processes that adapt to different risk levels based on caller characteristics. The method involves an authentication device analyzing a calling party number to determine its line type (e.g., mobile, landline, VoIP) and other parameters. The device then calculates a risk threshold based on these parameters, which influences the authentication requirements. For example, calls from certain line types may be flagged as higher risk, triggering additional verification steps. The system retrieves relevant parameters from a database or external sources to assess risk dynamically. The authentication process adjusts in real-time, balancing security and user convenience by tailoring verification steps to the assessed risk level. This approach helps prevent fraud while minimizing unnecessary friction for low-risk callers. The invention improves upon static authentication systems by incorporating contextual risk assessment based on caller attributes.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: the one or more retrieved parameters comprise fraud information associated with the calling party number; and the determining comprises determining the risk score based at least in part on whether any fraud associated with the calling party number occurred within a threshold number of days.
This invention relates to fraud detection in telecommunications, specifically for assessing the risk of fraud associated with a calling party number during a call. The method involves retrieving parameters related to the calling party number, including fraud information, and determining a risk score based on whether any fraud associated with that number occurred within a predefined time window. The system analyzes historical fraud data to identify recent fraudulent activity linked to the caller, enhancing the ability to detect and prevent fraudulent calls. The risk score is calculated by evaluating the recency of fraud incidents, with closer fraud occurrences contributing to a higher risk assessment. This approach helps service providers and security systems identify potentially fraudulent calls more accurately by leveraging temporal fraud patterns. The method improves fraud detection efficiency by focusing on recent fraud activity, reducing false positives and enhancing decision-making for call handling.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the determining comprises determining the risk score based at least in part on how many of the retrieved parameters meet corresponding thresholds used in authenticating the calling party number of the caller.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for assessing the risk of a caller's identity during authentication. The method addresses the problem of accurately verifying caller identity by analyzing multiple parameters associated with the call, such as caller ID, call patterns, and historical data, to determine the likelihood of fraud or spoofing. The method involves retrieving parameters related to the caller, such as the calling party number, call duration, time of day, and geographic location. These parameters are compared against predefined thresholds or criteria used in authentication systems. The risk score is calculated based on how many of these parameters meet or exceed the thresholds, with a higher number of matches indicating a lower risk of fraud. For example, if the caller's number matches a known legitimate number, the call duration is within expected limits, and the geographic location aligns with the caller's profile, the risk score will be lower. Conversely, if multiple parameters fail to meet thresholds, the risk score increases, signaling a higher likelihood of fraudulent activity. The method improves authentication accuracy by dynamically evaluating multiple factors rather than relying on a single parameter, reducing false positives and enhancing security. This approach is particularly useful in telecommunication systems, fraud detection, and identity verification processes.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more retrieved parameters comprise one or more of a time of day, a frequency of calls, a velocity of calls, or a line type.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for analyzing and managing telecommunications data, specifically focusing on call-related parameters to enhance network performance or security. The method retrieves and processes one or more parameters associated with telecommunications calls, including the time of day when calls occur, the frequency of calls, the velocity (rate) at which calls are made, and the type of line used for the calls. These parameters are used to detect anomalies, optimize network resources, or identify potential fraudulent activity. By analyzing these factors, the system can distinguish between legitimate and suspicious call patterns, improving call routing efficiency and reducing unauthorized usage. The method leverages computational techniques to process and interpret the retrieved parameters, enabling real-time or near-real-time decision-making. This approach is particularly useful in telecommunications networks where monitoring call behavior is critical for maintaining service quality and security. The invention addresses challenges in identifying abnormal call patterns that may indicate fraud, network congestion, or other operational issues, thereby enhancing overall network reliability and user experience.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: tracking, by the authentication device, a number of accounts linked to the calling party number and fraud information associated with each of the linked accounts; associating, by the authentication device, the authentication result with the calling party number; determining, by the authentication device, an accuracy of the authentication result based at least in part on the fraud information and number of accounts; and adjusting, by the authentication device, one or more thresholds corresponding to the retrieved parameters based at least in part on the accuracy of the authentication result.
This invention relates to fraud detection and authentication in telecommunications systems. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately verifying the identity of a calling party, particularly when multiple accounts are linked to a single phone number, which can increase the risk of fraudulent activity. The solution involves an authentication device that tracks the number of accounts associated with a calling party number and analyzes fraud information linked to each account. The device associates authentication results with the calling party number and evaluates the accuracy of these results based on the fraud data and the number of linked accounts. If the accuracy is low, the device adjusts one or more authentication thresholds to improve future verification processes. This dynamic adjustment helps mitigate fraud risks by refining authentication parameters in response to detected patterns. The system enhances security by continuously adapting to potential fraudulent behaviors associated with a given phone number.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein sending the authentication result to the call processing device comprises sending the authentication result as a visual or audio indication.
This invention relates to computer-implemented authentication systems for call processing, specifically improving how authentication results are communicated to call processing devices. The problem addressed is the need for clear, immediate feedback when verifying callers, ensuring secure and efficient call handling. The method involves authenticating a caller during a call, such as through voice biometrics or other verification techniques. Once authentication is complete, the system sends the result to a call processing device, which manages the call flow. The key innovation is delivering this result as a visual or audio indication, such as a screen alert or a tone, allowing agents or automated systems to quickly recognize whether the caller is verified. This eliminates delays in call routing or decision-making, enhancing security and user experience. The visual indication may include a color-coded display (e.g., green for verified, red for rejected) or a text message. The audio indication could be a distinct tone or voice prompt. This approach ensures that authentication status is immediately actionable, reducing errors and improving call center efficiency. The system may also integrate with existing call management platforms, making it adaptable to various telecommunication environments. The invention prioritizes real-time feedback, minimizing disruptions in call processing while maintaining robust security standards.
10. A system, comprising: a memory for storing a plurality of parameters associated with a plurality of calling party numbers; a processor coupled to the memory; a communications interface that, when executing in the processor, receives a call request and calling party information associated with the call request, the calling party information comprising a calling party number, wherein the call request is initiated by a caller; a calling number authenticator that, when executing in the processor: retrieves one or more parameters associated with the calling party number; determines a risk threshold for the call request based at least in part on a line type of the calling party number or a reason for the call request; determines a risk score for the call request based at least in part on the one or more parameters, the risk score indicating a confidence that the call request can be authenticated; compares the risk score to the risk threshold; generates an authentication result based at least in part on the comparing, the authentication result indicating whether the calling party number is authenticated; and sends the authentication result to a call processing device that processes the call request from the caller according to the authentication result, wherein the authentication result is sent to the call processing device before the call request is routed to a destination by the call processing device.
This system authenticates calling party numbers in telecommunications to mitigate fraud and unauthorized calls. The system includes a memory storing parameters associated with multiple calling party numbers, a processor, and a communications interface that receives call requests and calling party information, including the calling party number. A calling number authenticator executes in the processor to retrieve parameters linked to the calling party number, determine a risk threshold based on the line type (e.g., mobile, landline) or the reason for the call (e.g., business, personal), and calculate a risk score indicating the confidence that the call can be authenticated. The risk score is compared to the risk threshold to generate an authentication result, which is sent to a call processing device before the call is routed. The call processing device then processes the call according to the authentication result, allowing for real-time decision-making on call legitimacy. This system enhances security by preemptively identifying high-risk calls and preventing fraudulent or spoofed calls from reaching their intended recipients.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein: the comparing comprises determining that the risk score is less than the risk threshold; and the generating comprises generating an authentication result that indicates the calling party number is authenticated responsive to determining that the risk score is less than the risk threshold.
The invention relates to a system for authenticating calling party numbers in telecommunications to mitigate fraud. The system evaluates the risk associated with a call by comparing a calculated risk score against a predefined risk threshold. If the risk score is below the threshold, the system generates an authentication result confirming the legitimacy of the calling party number. The risk score is derived from analyzing various factors, such as call patterns, historical data, and network behavior, to detect anomalies indicative of fraudulent activity. The system dynamically adjusts the risk threshold based on real-time conditions to improve accuracy. This approach enhances security by preventing unauthorized calls while minimizing false positives that could disrupt legitimate communications. The authentication result is used to determine whether to allow or block the call, ensuring only verified callers proceed. The system integrates with existing telecommunication networks and can be deployed in real-time to assess call legitimacy before connection. This method improves fraud detection efficiency and reduces the likelihood of fraudulent calls reaching end users.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein: the comparing comprises determining that the risk score is greater than the risk threshold; and the generating comprises generating an authentication result that indicates the calling party number is not authenticated responsive to determining that the risk score is greater than the risk threshold.
This invention relates to telecommunications systems that authenticate calling party numbers to prevent fraudulent calls. The system evaluates the risk associated with a call by comparing a calculated risk score against a predefined risk threshold. If the risk score exceeds the threshold, the system generates an authentication result indicating that the calling party number is not authenticated. This helps identify and block potentially fraudulent calls, such as spoofed or malicious calls, by assessing their risk level before allowing them to proceed. The system may also include additional features, such as analyzing call metadata, historical call patterns, or network behavior to compute the risk score. By dynamically adjusting the risk threshold, the system can adapt to evolving fraud tactics while maintaining legitimate call flow. The authentication result can then be used by telecommunication networks or service providers to determine whether to allow, block, or flag the call for further review. This approach enhances call security by automating risk assessment and reducing the likelihood of fraudulent calls reaching end users.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the calling number authenticator, when executing in the processor, determines the risk threshold based at least in part on at least one of the one or more retrieved parameters, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a line type of the calling party number.
A system for authenticating calling numbers in telecommunications networks addresses the problem of fraudulent or spoofed calls by verifying the legitimacy of caller identification information. The system retrieves parameters associated with a calling party number, such as line type, to assess the risk of fraud. The line type parameter indicates whether the calling number is associated with a landline, mobile, or VoIP service, which helps determine the likelihood of spoofing or unauthorized use. The system compares the retrieved parameters against predefined risk thresholds to classify the call as high, medium, or low risk. If the call exceeds the risk threshold, additional authentication steps or call blocking may be triggered. This approach enhances caller authentication by leveraging call metadata to detect suspicious activity, reducing fraud and improving trust in telecommunications services. The system operates in real-time during call setup, ensuring timely fraud detection without disrupting legitimate communications. By analyzing line type and other parameters, the system provides a dynamic risk assessment framework that adapts to evolving fraud patterns.
14. The system of claim 10 , wherein: the one or more retrieved parameters comprise fraud information associated with the calling party number; and the determining comprises determining the risk score based at least in part on whether any fraud associated with the calling party number occurred within a threshold number of days.
A system for assessing fraud risk in telecommunications involves analyzing parameters associated with a calling party number to determine a risk score. The system retrieves fraud information linked to the calling party number, including historical fraud incidents. The risk score is calculated based on whether any fraud associated with that number occurred within a predefined time window, such as a threshold number of days. This allows for real-time evaluation of fraud risk during a call setup or connection process. The system may also integrate additional parameters, such as call patterns, network behavior, or subscriber data, to enhance fraud detection accuracy. By focusing on recent fraud activity, the system prioritizes timely detection of potential fraudulent calls, improving security in telecommunications networks. The risk score can then be used to trigger fraud prevention measures, such as call blocking, alerts, or further verification steps. This approach helps mitigate fraudulent activities like spoofing, scams, or unauthorized access by leveraging historical fraud data in real-time decision-making.
15. The system of claim 10 , wherein the determining comprises determining the risk score based at least in part on how many of the retrieved parameters meets corresponding thresholds used in authenticating the calling party number of the caller.
The system relates to telecommunications fraud detection, specifically identifying high-risk callers by analyzing authentication parameters. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately assessing the legitimacy of incoming calls, particularly when callers use spoofed or manipulated caller identification information. Traditional methods often fail to detect sophisticated fraud attempts, leading to financial losses and security breaches. The system retrieves multiple authentication parameters associated with a caller, such as caller ID verification, network path analysis, and behavioral patterns. It then evaluates these parameters against predefined thresholds to determine a risk score. The risk score quantifies the likelihood that the caller is fraudulent based on how many parameters meet or exceed the authentication thresholds. For example, if a caller's ID fails verification but their network path is legitimate, the system may assign a lower risk score. Conversely, if multiple parameters fail authentication, the system assigns a higher risk score, flagging the call as high-risk. This approach improves fraud detection by considering multiple factors rather than relying on a single authentication method. The system dynamically adjusts the risk assessment based on the number of parameters that meet the thresholds, providing a more nuanced and accurate evaluation of call legitimacy. This helps telecommunications providers and enterprises mitigate fraudulent activities more effectively.
16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more retrieved parameters comprise one or more of a time of day, a frequency of calls, a velocity of calls, or a line type.
This invention relates to a system for analyzing and managing telecommunications network traffic, particularly for detecting and mitigating fraudulent or abusive call patterns. The system monitors call data in real-time to identify suspicious activity, such as rapid call bursts, unusual calling times, or calls from specific line types, to prevent fraud, spam, or network overload. The system retrieves and analyzes parameters like the time of day, call frequency, call velocity, and line type to assess call legitimacy. By evaluating these factors, the system can distinguish between normal and potentially malicious traffic, allowing for automated or manual intervention to block or flag suspicious calls. The system integrates with existing telecommunication infrastructure to enhance security and efficiency in call processing. The invention aims to reduce fraud-related losses, improve network reliability, and protect users from unwanted or harmful calls. The analysis may involve statistical models, machine learning, or rule-based checks to determine call risk levels. The system can also adapt its detection thresholds based on historical data or evolving fraud patterns.
17. A non-transitory computer-readable device having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one computing device, causes the at least one computing device to perform operations comprising: receiving a call request and calling party information associated with the call request, the calling party information comprising a calling party number; retrieving one or more parameters associated with the calling party number; determining a risk threshold for the call request based at least in part on a line type of the calling party number or a reason for the call request; determining a risk score for the call request based at least in part on the one or more parameters, the risk score indicating a confidence that the call request can be authenticated; comparing the risk score to the risk threshold; generating an authentication result based at least in part on the comparing, the authentication result indicating whether the calling party number is authenticated; and sending the authentication result to a call processing device that processes the call request from the caller according to the authentication result, wherein the authentication result is sent to the call processing device before the call request is routed to a destination by the call processing device.
This invention relates to telecommunications fraud prevention, specifically a system for authenticating call requests before routing them to their destination. The problem addressed is the prevalence of fraudulent calls, such as spoofed or malicious calls, which bypass traditional authentication methods. The solution involves a computer-implemented method that analyzes call requests in real-time to assess their legitimacy before routing. The system receives a call request along with calling party information, including the caller's phone number. It retrieves parameters associated with that number, such as historical call patterns, line type (e.g., mobile, landline, VoIP), and the reason for the call (e.g., business, personal). Based on these factors, the system determines a risk threshold specific to the call. It then calculates a risk score, representing the likelihood that the call is authentic. This score is compared to the risk threshold to generate an authentication result—either authenticated or not. The result is sent to a call processing device before the call is routed, allowing the system to block or flag suspicious calls early in the process. This pre-routing authentication helps prevent fraudulent calls from reaching their intended recipients.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable device of claim 17 , the operations further comprising: tracking a number of accounts linked to the calling party number and fraud information associated with each of the linked accounts; associating the authentication result with the calling party number; determining an accuracy of the authentication result based at least in part on the fraud information and number of accounts; and adjusting one or more thresholds corresponding to the retrieved parameters based on the accuracy of the authentication result.
This invention relates to fraud detection and authentication systems in telecommunications, specifically for improving the accuracy of caller authentication by analyzing linked accounts and associated fraud data. The system tracks multiple accounts linked to a calling party number, collecting fraud information for each account. It then associates authentication results with the calling party number and evaluates the accuracy of these results based on the fraud data and the number of linked accounts. If the authentication accuracy is low, the system adjusts thresholds used in authentication parameters to improve future results. This approach helps identify fraudulent callers by cross-referencing account histories and refining authentication criteria dynamically. The method enhances security by leveraging historical fraud patterns and account linkages to detect suspicious activity more effectively. The system operates by continuously monitoring and updating authentication thresholds to adapt to evolving fraud tactics. This ensures that authentication decisions are based on comprehensive, up-to-date data, reducing false positives and improving overall system reliability. The invention is particularly useful in telecommunications fraud prevention, where caller authentication must balance security and user experience.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable device of claim 17 , wherein: the comparing comprises determining that the risk score is less than the risk threshold; and the generating comprises generating an authentication result that indicates the calling party number is authenticated responsive to determining that the risk score is less than the risk threshold.
This invention relates to a system for authenticating calling party numbers in telecommunications to mitigate fraud. The system addresses the problem of fraudulent calls, where attackers spoof legitimate phone numbers to deceive recipients. The solution involves analyzing call metadata to assess risk and authenticate legitimate callers. The system processes call data, including the calling party number, to compute a risk score representing the likelihood of fraud. This score is compared to a predefined risk threshold. If the risk score is below the threshold, the system generates an authentication result confirming the calling party number is legitimate. The authentication result can then be used by telecommunication networks or devices to verify the caller's identity. The risk score may be derived from various factors, such as historical call patterns, network behavior, or known fraud indicators. The system dynamically adjusts the risk threshold based on evolving fraud tactics. The authentication result is transmitted to downstream systems, enabling real-time fraud prevention. This approach enhances caller authentication accuracy while reducing false positives, improving trust in telecommunications.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable device of claim 17 , the operations further comprising determining the risk threshold based at least in part on at least one of the one or more retrieved parameters, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a line type of the calling party number.
This invention relates to telecommunications systems, specifically to methods for assessing risk in call processing. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically evaluate the risk associated with incoming calls to prevent fraud, spam, or other malicious activities. The system retrieves parameters associated with a calling party number, such as the line type (e.g., mobile, landline, VoIP), and uses these parameters to determine a risk threshold. The risk threshold is then applied to assess whether the call should be allowed, blocked, or flagged for further scrutiny. The system may also consider additional parameters, such as call history, geographic location, or caller reputation, to refine the risk assessment. By dynamically adjusting the risk threshold based on the line type and other factors, the system improves the accuracy of fraud detection and reduces false positives. The invention is implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, executing operations to retrieve caller parameters, determine the risk threshold, and apply it to incoming calls. This approach enhances security in telecommunications networks by adapting risk assessments to specific caller characteristics.
Unknown
August 18, 2020
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